A 1-0 defeat to CS Marítimo hinders Os Leões

Sporting Clube de Portugal's trip to Funchal ended in defeat for Rúben Amorim's men, as they were bested by CS Marítimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros. A harsh loss left the team unable to carry momentum into their big derby next weekend against SL Benfica.

Amorim made changes to his starting eleven, fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis, Pedro Porro, Manuel Ugarte, Mateus Fernandes, Arthur, Marcus Edwards, Paulinho and Francisco Trincao.

CS Marítimo started the match well and, during the first 15 minutes, caused problems for Adán and did not let Sporting CP break into the final third frequently.

After the first quarter of an hour, just two minutes, Sporting CP came close to opening the scoring three times.

First, Paulinho received the ball from Pedro Porro from the right, and forced Marcelo Carné to make a great save for a corner. From that set piece, Gonçalo Inácio to head over. That was followed by a deflection that prevented Paulinho from scoring.

CS Marítimo responded to Sporting CP's warnings and again created danger, in particular with a shot by Bruno Xadas that went over, but after an extended spell of possession for Os Leões, the game reached the interval goalless.

On their return from the dressing room, Sporting CP were a faster, more focused prospect. As a result of this momentum, Porro was brought down twice in a row in the area, but referee Hélder Malheiro did not blow for a penalty on either occasion.

Minutes later, a spot kick was given, but in favour of CS Marítimo after a foul by Mateus Fernandes on Liza. Cláudio Winck converted to make it 1-0.

Sporting CP were forced to chase the game and, for that reason, Amorim immediately introduced Nuno Santos, and then Rochinha. Pushing higher up the pitch, the team were almost caught on the counterattack but survived the break.

With 15 minutes left, Jeremiah St. Juste and Jovane Cabral replaced Sebastián Coates and Marcus Edwards.

Intensely looking for an equaliser, in the 84th minute Sporting CP nearly got their reward, with Matheus shooting into the side netting.

In the 89th minute, after the referee had checked VAR for a possible penalty in favour of Sporting CP sent in a low cross from Santos, but Porro did not quite reach the ball in time to shoot at the back post.

Rochinha hit wide and the siege on the opposition area continued, but CS Marítimo survived the onslaught and Sporting CP went home from Madeira empty handed.

Next up is the Lisbon derby against SL Benfica, away at the Estádio da Luz.